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How much does a Payroll Manager make?

The average salary for a Payroll Manager is $100,498 per year in the US.

A Payroll Manager plays a key role in ensuring that employees are paid accurately and on time. This role often comes with a rewarding salary. On average, a Payroll Manager earns about $100,498 per year. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the size of the company.

Payroll Managers with more experience or those in larger companies often earn more. For example, those in the top 10% of earners can make over $186,000 annually. The salary can also differ by region, with some areas offering higher wages due to the cost of living. Understanding these factors can help job seekers make informed decisions about their career path.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Payroll Manager?

Payroll managers in San Jose, CA, enjoy one of the highest average salaries, making it a prime location for those in the field. San Francisco, CA, and Seattle, WA, also offer competitive pay, reflecting the strong demand for payroll expertise. Baltimore, MD, and Dallas, TX, provide attractive compensation packages, further enhancing job opportunities in these cities.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Payroll Manager jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $122,901 and Chicago, IL with the lowest at $107,546.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $122,901
    In San Jose, managing payroll involves working with tech companies like Intel and Cisco. The area offers a dynamic environment with many opportunities for career growth.
    Find Payroll Manager jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $122,272
    San Francisco's payroll managers often work with major tech firms such as Google and Salesforce. The city offers a vibrant job market with competitive salaries.
    Find Payroll Manager jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $121,949
    Seattle's payroll managers benefit from working with companies like Amazon and Microsoft. The city provides a strong economy and a high quality of life.
    Find Payroll Manager jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $118,450
    In Baltimore, payroll managers often work with healthcare and government entities. The city offers a mix of traditional industries and growing tech sectors.
    Find Payroll Manager jobs in Baltimore, MD


  5. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $117,701
    Dallas offers a diverse job market with companies like AT&T and ExxonMobil. Payroll managers here enjoy a mix of industries and a growing economy.
    Find Payroll Manager jobs in Dallas, TX


  6. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $114,299
    In Washington, DC, payroll managers often work with government agencies and non-profits. The city offers a unique blend of political and corporate opportunities.
    Find Payroll Manager jobs in Washington, DC


  7. Detroit, MI
    Average Salary: $113,981
    Detroit's payroll managers work with automotive giants like Ford and General Motors. The city is seeing a resurgence with new opportunities in tech and innovation.
    Find Payroll Manager jobs in Detroit, MI


  8. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $113,917
    Atlanta offers a thriving job market with companies like Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines. Payroll managers here enjoy a diverse economy and a growing tech scene.
    Find Payroll Manager jobs in Atlanta, GA


  9. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $110,907
    In Tampa, payroll managers often work with companies in the finance and healthcare sectors. The city offers a warm climate and a growing job market.
    Find Payroll Manager jobs in Tampa, FL


  10. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $107,546
    Chicago's payroll managers work with major corporations like Boeing and McDonald's. The city offers a strong economy and a rich cultural scene.
    Find Payroll Manager jobs in Chicago, IL

What are the best companies a Payroll Manager can work for?

Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG offer some of the highest salaries for Payroll Manager jobs. Deloitte leads with an average salary of $185,986, followed closely by PwC at $163,797. These companies provide excellent opportunities for those seeking top compensation in the payroll management field. Ford Agency, FedEx, and Robert Half also offer competitive salaries, ranging from $125,000 to $102,463. These companies are known for their strong financial packages and benefits for payroll managers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Payroll Manager jobs, highlighting Deloitte with the highest at $185,986 and Applebee's with the lowest at $58,000.
  1. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $185,986
    Deloitte offers competitive salaries for Payroll Managers. They provide opportunities in various locations, including major cities across the U.S. Deloitte's Payroll Managers handle payroll processing and ensure compliance with tax laws.


  2. PwC
    Average Salary: $163,797
    PwC is known for its top-tier compensation for Payroll Managers. They operate in many global locations. At PwC, Payroll Managers manage payroll systems and support financial operations.


  3. KPMG
    Average Salary: $162,334
    KPMG offers attractive salaries for Payroll Managers. They have offices worldwide. KPMG's Payroll Managers ensure accurate payroll processing and compliance with regulations.


  4. Ford Agency
    Average Salary: $125,000
    Ford Agency provides a good salary for Payroll Managers. They operate in key locations across the U.S. Ford Agency's Payroll Managers handle payroll processing and employee benefits.


  5. FedEx
    Average Salary: $107,596
    FedEx offers competitive pay for Payroll Managers. They have locations nationwide. FedEx's Payroll Managers manage payroll systems and ensure timely payments.


  6. Robert Half
    Average Salary: $102,463
    Robert Half provides a solid salary for Payroll Managers. They operate in many cities. Robert Half's Payroll Managers handle payroll processing and support HR functions.


  7. Vaco
    Average Salary: $94,339
    Vaco offers a good salary for Payroll Managers. They work in various locations. Vaco's Payroll Managers manage payroll systems and ensure compliance with tax laws.


  8. Creative Financial Staffing
    Average Salary: $92,661
    Creative Financial Staffing provides a decent salary for Payroll Managers. They operate in many areas. Their Payroll Managers handle payroll processing and support financial operations.


  9. R Wireless Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer
    Average Salary: $71,769
    R Wireless Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer offers a competitive salary for Payroll Managers. They have locations across the U.S. Their Payroll Managers manage payroll systems and ensure compliance.


  10. Applebee's
    Average Salary: $58,000
    Applebee's offers a good salary for Payroll Managers. They have locations nationwide. Applebee's Payroll Managers handle payroll processing and support HR functions.

How to earn more as a Payroll Manager?

A Payroll Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring that employees are paid accurately and on time. This responsibility can lead to higher earning potential through various avenues. One key factor is gaining experience. As a Payroll Manager gains more experience, they often become more valuable to employers. This experience can lead to higher salary offers and better job opportunities.

Another factor is obtaining relevant certifications. Certifications such as the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or the Certified Payroll Administrator (CPA) can enhance a Payroll Manager's credentials. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the profession and can lead to higher pay. Employers often value these credentials, making it easier to negotiate a higher salary. Additionally, staying updated with the latest payroll laws and regulations can also improve job performance and earning potential.

Networking and professional development can also play a significant role. Attending industry conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with other Payroll Managers can open doors to new opportunities. These connections can lead to job offers with better compensation packages. Furthermore, participating in webinars and workshops can help a Payroll Manager stay current with industry trends, making them more marketable and valuable to potential employers.

Specializing in certain areas can also increase earning potential. For example, a Payroll Manager who specializes in international payroll can command higher salaries. This specialization requires additional knowledge and skills, which employers are willing to pay a premium for. Another area of specialization is technology, such as expertise in payroll software and systems. This technical skill can make a Payroll Manager more efficient and valuable to an organization.

Finally, seeking promotions and career advancements can lead to higher earnings. A Payroll Manager who takes on more responsibilities and demonstrates leadership skills may be eligible for higher-paying positions. This could involve moving into a senior payroll manager role or even a payroll director position. These higher-level roles often come with significant salary increases and additional benefits.

Currently 284 Payroll Manager job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Payroll Manager in the US?

Learn what a Payroll Manager does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Payroll Manager today.
Position
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Payroll Manager
284 Job Openings